Holes in bowl rim, purpose?

[Bugyotsuji]

Recently I could not resist buying a small to medium sized Imari bowl. Butterflies and plants. Around the rim are six holes. 

 

Assuming that the holes would enable stringing and hanging, what would be the purpose of the bowl, I wonder? Today we might toss the car keys in there. Back then, what?

One person suggested a mosquito coil, and I can kind of imagine a set of fire lighting equipment, i.e. striker and flint.

 

A

 

B

[Lewis B]

My guess. Its a plant hanger. Pot sits in the bowl which catches runoff. The theme being plants and butterflies sorta supports that theory. 

[Bugyotsuji]

Two people I know objected to that idea Lewis, as the central design would be obscured, but reconsidering it now the central design is quite rudimentary, so you could well be right! Thanks.

[Matsunoki]

Quite a puzzle. Never seen one. Hanging plant pot is logical although I would expect the exterior to be more heavily decorated as (depending on height of suspension) it would be easily seen.

Possibly a hanging censer?

Dunno. 

[Bugyotsuji]

Incense? 
Mosquito coil?

Where in or outside a Japanese house?

[Lewis B]

If it is for plants I would say inside use rather than outside where a hole for drainage might be preferable.  Perhaps for holding fruit or keeping something off a flat surface. 

 

The piece has a feel of age so there may have been other uses we in the modern world may not be aware of.

[Matsunoki]

Looking at the Imari palette this Arita porcelain is 19thC, possibly even early Meiji……and quite possibly “export” 

Doesn’t have the look or artistry of earlier period pieces…..imo🙂

Also the unglazed strange style of the base suggests it may have had a stand or sat in something.

 

 

 

[Lewis B]

Regarding origins. Are we thinking Japanese or Chinese?

 

I found this Chinese blue and white example with 4 holes. Definitely made pre firing

 

[Matsunoki]

It’s Japanese. Colours are wrong for Chinese. Porcelain body is a bit too “blue”.

[Bugyotsuji]

Not disagreeing with any of the above, and agreeing that yes, it is Japanese. Of course the original idea could have come over from the continent.

Thanks for the words of wisdom.

This bowl didn’t break the bank. I’m now thinking about how best to string it decoratively.

(A Bizen potter friend said he likes the fine brushwork of the vine tendrils round the outside.)

But then, it could be a nice birthday etc. gift for someone…

[Lewis B]

1 minute ago, Bugyotsuji said:

But then, it could be a nice birthday etc. gift for someone…

My birthday was last month, I'll send you my address 

[ROKUJURO]

No, I don't think the holes were for the chopsticks after three individuals have finished their meal, eating from one bowl. 

When comparing this to a MOKKO GATA TSUBA with INOME in the "corners", I think the holes could well have been simply decorative and not functional.

[Matsunoki]

11 minutes ago, ROKUJURO said:

think the holes could well have been simply decorative and not functional.

Yep, I’d buy that suggestion. 
Occam’s razor in action. 🙂

[Baka Gaijin]

Its becoming increasingly difficult to obtain replacement blades of suitable quality for the Occam Razor.

 

Gillette Mach 3 may be a suitable option..............

[Bugyotsuji]

A slight adjustment in the angle might get your blade(s) to last a little longer, MalX.

A (live) friend here has just agreed that the holes are most likely simply decorative.

 

Thank you everyone for your considered thoughts.